Security personnel at Karuma Bridge on Friday afternoon intercepted a 23-year-old man who attempted to jump into the River Nile, claiming he planned to “float” all the way to Egypt—more than 6,600 kilometres downstream.
The man, identified only as Ashraf, had travelled from Kampala aboard a Crown Bus and disembarked at Karuma Town. He then proceeded toward the bridge, raising concern among security officers who noticed his suspicious behaviour and intervened before he could leap into the river.
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According to a statement released Sunday by Aswa West River Region police spokesperson David Ongom Mudong, Ashraf said he was acting under instructions from a “friend” who, he claimed, only appears in his mind.
“He alleged that this imaginary friend had told him to jump into the Nile so they could float together to Egypt and then return,” said Mudong.
Ashraf also told police that he had lost both parents and could not remember any of his relatives. His statements and behaviour led authorities to suspect a serious mental health condition.
He has since been referred for psychiatric evaluation and is currently receiving care at the mental health clinic of Gulu Regional Referral Hospital.
Police have urged the public to remain alert and to report any individuals showing signs of distress or abnormal behaviour, especially near potentially dangerous locations like bridges and waterways.
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